New Release: Jenny and Johnny

Jenny and Johnny, what a feel good name for a duo. And aptly fitting, Jenny Lewis and her long time boyfriend Jonathan Rice create the floaty pop vibe here. Jenny Lewis has many credits to her name including fronting Rilo Kiley and touring with the Postal Service. She has a fledgling solo career that can only be bolstered by this album. Rice is no slouch either, having put out 3 albums of as own, as well as playing Roy Orbison in Walk The Line. They complement each other perfectly and their knowledge of each other really comes out in the record.

This record is just so solid. The vocals are bright and the melodies are catchy, it is completely rejuvenating. Heavy on acoustic guitar and light synth work, it's a refreshing sound that leaves you satisfied. That isn't to say all the lyrics are sunshine, you do have a love song or two, but you also have songs of spoiled love and stately demise. The overall tone leans toward pop but there's hints of beach rock, which gives this album a someone unique feel. Lewis' country song roots bleed through a few of the tracks, most notably Just Like Zeus. This is in no way a bad thing as I think it adds to the overall airy appeal of the record. A solid recommendation from me should be enough to give this album the time of day! Check after the track list for a video they made and listen to their whole album out of a tape deck!

Track List
Scissor Runner
My Pet Snakes
Switchblade
Big Wave
While Men Are Dreaming
Animal
Just Like Zeus
New Yorker Cartoon
Straight Edge Of The Blade
Slavedriver
Committed